LSU, Wisconsin to vie in 2014 Texas Kickoff Classic

Cameron Nwosu, left, closing in on SMU's Darius Johnson, might be unable to play in Rice's opener.

Cameron Nwosu, left, closing in on SMU's Darius Johnson, might be...

LSU and Wisconsin will open the 2014 college football season Aug. 30 at Reliant Stadium in the Texas Kickoff Classic.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to host two of America's elite collegiate football programs at Reliant Stadium," Texans president Jamey Rootes said Friday in a statement. "This game is another example of our ongoing effort to position Houston and Reliant Stadium as a premier destination for college football."

This year's matchup pits Oklahoma State and Mississippi State at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Reliant.

Rice's Nwosu injures knee

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Rice starting strongside linebacker Cameron Nwosu is questionable for the Aug. 31 season opener against seventh-ranked Texas A&M because of a knee injury.

Nwosu, among the top Owls players the past two seasons, underwent arthroscopic surgery late in the offseason. He suffered the injury in a non-football activity, coach David Bailiff said.

Bailiff said the Owls should know Monday if Nwosu will be available for the opener.

"It will be a decision where if he's not 100 percent we won't play him," Bailiff said. "It's a long season."

If Nwosu is unable to play, senior Michael Kutzler will make his first career start.

Big 12, Liberty strike 6-year deal

The Liberty Bowl has reached a six-year deal with the Big 12 that will take effect in the 2014 season.

The Liberty Bowl will match a Big 12 team against a representative from the Southeastern Conference. Liberty Bowl officials say they will have the fourth selection of Big 12 teams after that league's college football playoff representatives have been chosen.

The Liberty Bowl currently matches the Conference USA champion against an SEC team.

Florida without two key players

Florida, ranked 10th, won't have its top running back and best blocker in the season opener.

Coach Will Muschamp ruled out running back Matt Jones (viral infection) and right guard Jon Halapio (torn pectoral muscle), saying neither will be ready to play next week against Toledo.